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Thread: trailer brake controller?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Posts
    169

    Default trailer brake controller?

    What type/brand of trailer brake controllers are all of you using? My trailer has single axle brakes and I'm looking for something affordable (because I spent way too much on the truck )

    Any suggestions?

    thanks!
    -Jeff S
    '07 Mid-Am ITA Champion
    '07 St.Louis Region Driver of the Year

    www.plainoldgas.com

    Honda S2000 for ITR in the works

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Baton Rouge, LA
    Posts
    17

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    I'm very satisfied with my Tekonsha Prodigy. The proportional braking is very smooth and predictable. It wasn't the cheapest unit out there when I bought it a couple of years back, but still reasonable at about $95. Not sure what they're selling for these days.
    Troy Marcella
    1985 Spec RX-7

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    Staying off the walls
    Posts
    1,049

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by TroyM857 View Post
    I'm very satisfied with my Tekonsha Prodigy. The proportional braking is very smooth and predictable. It wasn't the cheapest unit out there when I bought it a couple of years back, but still reasonable at about $95. Not sure what they're selling for these days.
    +1
    Tom Sprecher

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
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    23

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by tom_sprecher View Post
    +1

    +2

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    Kansas
    Posts
    532

    Default

    +3
    Gary Learned
    MiDiv
    Volvo 142E
    http://www.youtube.com/user/denrael

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2002
    Location
    Sayre PA USA 45 Miles from Watkins Glen
    Posts
    816

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    Great controller if you switch vehicles just get a new harness and you are back in buisiness. Ebay has them listed about 95-100 some with free shipping. Maybe someone board can help. TW
    Tom Weaver: Logistics & Technical Support Manager IE truck driver for 1986 RX-7 ITS #63. "Diesel Haulin' Rotary" 2005 Dodge 2500 Quad Cab The Hemi has retired "Long Live the Hemi" Bill Weaver Driver- 2004 NYSRRC John Chave Award. 2006 & 2013 ITS NYSRRC Champion!. Truck Driver Named Glen Region Worker of the Year 2008.Located 45 miles southeast of Watkins Glen in Sayre PA.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jun 2001
    Location
    Milwaukee, WI
    Posts
    1,193

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    I had an el-cheapo controller from the local farming store and towed to Atlanta with it. It puked when I got into Atlanta traffic, ultimately resulting in me nearly rear-ending a semi!! It was not a good trip.

    Three days after I got back, I ordered the Tekonsha Prodigy. I will never go back to the other kind. Not only is the brake controlling really good, but it tells you what is going on in terms of connection, ground fault, etc.

    Yes, it's a bit more expensive (close to 2X the other one, iirc). But, like a good helmet, the price is small with the peace of mind you get.
    "Most people have the will to win, few have the will to prepare to win.” - Bobby Knight

    Bill
    Planet 6 Racing

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Location
    Brunswick, Oh
    Posts
    150

    Default

    +4. Also, it's self leveling for easy installation.
    ITC #05
    '82 Jetta
    NEOhio
    Shutter-Up Inc.
    Olmsted Auto Care
    Light Doctor

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Posts
    169

    Default

    Thanks for the suggestions... looks like it will be an easy choice
    -Jeff S
    '07 Mid-Am ITA Champion
    '07 St.Louis Region Driver of the Year

    www.plainoldgas.com

    Honda S2000 for ITR in the works

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Posts
    28

    Default

    So I already have a brake controller from another vehicle. A Drawtite Activator II

    http://www.etrailer.com/pc-tda~5500.htm

    My "to do" list includes installing the brake controller on the E-350 here.

    I used this controller on a Ford van in the past and had no issues.

    My question is this. Is it worth getting the Tekonsha Prodigy when I already have this one? Basically to replace it. I am wondering if the Tekonsha is preferable and better than the Drawtite?

    I do like the pre-wired connection harnesses available from the Tekonsha.
    I have to hardwire the Drawtite.

    Is it worth spending the extra $130 for the harness and the Tekonsha when I already have a controller?

    I believe that towing the race car and trailer is the most dangerous part of a race weekend. A 5,000 Lbs fulcrum/lever attached to your a$$ and ready to fling and flip you if you wag your a$$ too hard. So if it is an upgrade and worthwhile, I don't really have a problem with changing.

    Thanks for any war stories you may have with the Drawtite....

    Don
    Last edited by roadracer; 04-30-2008 at 09:47 PM.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    MD, US
    Posts
    1,333

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    40 dolla reese timer based controller, never had an issue towing an open, enclosed, or a boat with electric hydrolic (weird)
    --
    James Brostek
    MARRS #28 ITB Golf
    PMF Motorsports
    Racing and OEM parts from Bildon Motorsport, Hoosier Tires from Radial Tires

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Posts
    169

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    I purchased the Prodigy based on recommendations here and I couldn't be happier. It was very easy to install and has so many high quality features including self diagnostics.

    I bought it from www.etrailer.com (although they are local, so I picked it up in person). For what it's worth, they are a great company to deal with.

    I installed it into an '08 Ford F250 and it was very easy. The truck came with a wire harness to facilitate install. One end had a plug for under the dash and the other end had four bare wires that I connected to the standard four wire harness from the Prodigy. I soldered all of my connections and had it mounted and working within about 30 minutes.
    Last edited by 77ITA; 05-01-2008 at 10:42 AM.
    -Jeff S
    '07 Mid-Am ITA Champion
    '07 St.Louis Region Driver of the Year

    www.plainoldgas.com

    Honda S2000 for ITR in the works

  13. #13
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    Staying off the walls
    Posts
    1,049

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by roadracer View Post
    So I already have a brake controller from another vehicle. A Drawtite Activator II

    http://www.etrailer.com/pc-tda~5500.htm
    Your link doesn't work but I use what you have and save the $130 as long as it works.
    Tom Sprecher

  14. #14

    Default

    I had an Activator, and before that some similar (cheap) brake controller. After driving someone else's setup with the Prodigy, the Activator got replaced. Yes, they are that much better!

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